One of Mastertons oldest residents recalled

The death occurred recently of one of Masterton's older residents, Mrs Grace Shackleton.
She arrived in Masterton in 1918 after being born in Takaka and having her schooling there and in Nelson.
When they moved to Masterton her parents owned the Toot Suite Caf? which was situated where Russian Jack now stands in the Library Square.
While Grace was waitressing in the cafe one day some young chaps came to dine and one was heard to swear. She chastised him, much to the merriment of his mates.
Next day he returned and apologised and asked for a date, which led to a wedding in 1928.
Grace's husband Reg was employed in the engine room at Borthwicks Waingawa freezing works for many years and four years before his death in 1952 he joined the new Masterton Licensing Trust, where he progressed to manager of the North End Bottle Store in Queen Street, situated where Mitre 10 now operates.
Grace, the young widow, with a family to bring up, took up work at N.R. Cunningham's whiteware factory for some years.
She joined the knitmaster club for machine knitters and later the Townswomen's Guild.
Indoor bowling was a sport she enjoyed for several years and was always grateful for the transport to and from club nights at West School by other club members.
After living on her own for several years, Grace moved into Abbeyfield accommodation where she lived with many people of a similar age group.
About six years ago she took a room at Lansdowne Court which she enjoyed and she was extremely well looked after and well liked by staff with her ready sense of humour and wonderful memory of happenings over her many years.
Grace passed away peacefully on May 26, aged 102, and her funeral was held on May 29, the 55th anniversary of husband Reg's burial.
Grace is survived by three sons and one daughter, namely Keith and June, of Woodville, Harry and Lorraine, of Masterton, Gordon and Valerie, of Hamilton, and Claire and Trevor O'Brien, of Tauranga, and daughter-in-law Sherilyn, of Pukekohe, whose husband Bill passed away in 1982.
The extended family includes many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
The family wish to thank management and staff at Lansdowne Court for the wonderful care, attention and respect shown to Grace during her time with them.
Special thanks to Hilary, Diane, Joanne and Debbie.